A NICOTINE-style patch could detect breast cancer before doctors, say British scientists.
The gadget is the size of a postage stamp and gently sticks to the skin.
Sensors pick up temperature changes inside the breast and find hot spots which might indicate rapid cell growth caused by a tumour.
Bristol University experts funded by Cancer Research UK are developing the patch and hope it could one day be used to monitor high-risk women.
Breast cancer is the most common form of tumour among women, with 60,000 new cases and 11,000 deaths every year.
Marah Alassaf, who developed the patch, said: “Cancer cells grow and spread fast, so they often cause increased blood flow which can lead to a localised rise in temperature.
“By mapping these subtle changes we can potentially spot early warning signs.
“We hope to provide a convenient, non-invasive tool to help spot breast cancer earlier.”
The researchers have conducted the first tests of the sensor on a fake breast made of silicone.
Its nine sensors create a heat map and can detect temperature changes of less than 1C in tissue deep under the skin.
The patch is just 1.5mm thick, runs off an internal battery and sends temperature readings via wi-fi to a smartphone app.
Ms Alassaf hopes to begin proper tests on human patients over the next few years and says it could one day be used for other cancer types.
